State announces Wildlife Rehabilitator exam

ALBANY - A written examination for New Yorkers interested in becoming a licensed, volunteer wildlife rehabilitator, will be given on Friday, April 16, from 10 a.m. to noon at New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Regional offices across the state, the DEC announced Feb. 19.

The deadline for registering to take the exam is Friday, April 2. There is no charge for either the exam or the license issued by DEC.

A wildlife rehabilitator study guide and examination manual are available to applicants for $15 per set; the exam application is included. The materials were developed by wildlife rehabilitators, veterinarians and biologists to teach applicants about the practice of wildlife rehabilitation, including technical requirements for licensed volunteers.

Applicants must be at least 16 years old, submit two character references along with their application, have no convictions for violations of the State Environmental Conservation Law and be interviewed by a DEC regional wildlife staff person. Applicants should understand that a degree of technical skill and a significant commitment in time, money and effort is required to be a wildlife rehabilitator. Prospective applicants are encouraged to gain experience by serving as an assistant to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

More information can be found on the DEC website. To apply for the Wildlife Rehabilitator exam, contact the Special Licenses Unit by calling 518-402-8985